Legendary Giro d'Italia Climbs in the Dolomites

Arrive in Alta Badia on your own (private transfer available on request) and check into your Hotel. Located in a large valley surrounded all around by the gorgeous peaks of the Dolomites, Alta Badia is truly the “heart of the Dolomites.” Geographically in the South Tyrol (Südtirol), this area was part of Austria prior to the First World War. Here you’ll find unique mountain scenery with villages rich in natural beauties and ancient traditions, witness the simple everyday life of the local people (the “Ladini”), as well as the customs and traditions of the ancient Ladin culture. 

In the morning, you will meet your Dolomite Mountains Professional Biking Guide for a trip briefing and equipment check.
From here, bike the famous Sellaronda, the classic Dolomites cycling route that circumnavigates the Sella Massif! This route leads you over four major passes – three of which are higher than 2,000 meters (6,600'), and each of which has been included in a past Giro d’Italia stage – as you cycle clockwise around this incredible mountain.
Several of the passes of the Sellaronda has been the Cima Coppi of a past Giro d’Italia race. Cima Coppi is the title given to the highest peak of the course each year, so the Cima Coppi elevation and pass changes from year to year, depending on the altitude profile of the Giro d'Italia. This categorization was first introduced for the 1965 Giro d'Italia, in honor of the late Fausto Coppi who won five editions of the Giro d'Italia and three mountain classification titles during his  career.
(Bicycle ~67 km / 41,6 miles, 1,849m / 6,066' elevation change.)
Longer option available

From Corvara ascend three mountain passes and finally descend to the city of Bolzano / Bozen.
Begin with a wonderful and hard ascent, famous for the 1998 Giro d’Italia race, dominated by Marco Pantani. You will also bike a 3km / 1,86 miles straight road with a 12% incline.
(Bicycle ~111 km / 68 miles, 2,561m / 8,402' elevation change.)

Bozen/Bolzano (240m / 787') is the capital city of the province of South Tyrol (Südtirol in German and Ladin, Sudtirolo in Italian, and also known by its Italian name Alto Adige).  Green surroundings and lovely mountains frame the urban area of Bolzano: the space of the town is closely interwoven with that of nature. Here you will find a lovely mixture of cultural displays, open-air markets, restaurants, and high-end shops.

Today's ride will take you from Bolzano to Glorenza, as you'll climb two historic mountain passes.
The first one was included in the Giro in 1990, 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2004, while the latter has repeatedly been included, as it allows a direct connection between the Alto Adige and Lombardy.
(Bycicle ~133 km / 83 miles, 2,499m / 8,200' elevation change).

Overnight in Glurns/Glorenza, the smallest city in the southern Alps. Rich in historic jewels, it often surprises its visitors with its charm – Glorenza has never grown beyond its original walls. Today there are fewer than 900 inhabitants, enabling the city to preserve its historic character as a medieval town. It is considered an architectural jewel, with a circular wall, three city towers, and a series of fortified towers surround the charming alleys and corners, plus 16th town houses and the arcades lend special atmosphere. No wonder that Glorenza has repeatedly been chosen as a film set!

From Glorenza today you’ll cycle southwest to Bormio, and cycle over the Stelvio Pass, the Giro’s most legendary climb. Its 80+ hairpin turns, 48 of them on the northern side where you’ll be climbing, are numbered with stones, and present a challenge to cyclist and motorists alike! Your descent winds down 35 of the tightest hairpins; viewed from below it resembles a single strand of spaghetti dropped from the sky.
(Bicycle ~53 km / 33 miles, 1,859m / 6,100' elevation change.)

In 1953 the Giro first climbed the Stelvio, which has been repeated in four subsequent courses (1994, 2005, 2012, 2014). At 2,757 meters (9,045'), it is the second highest pass in the Alps, just 13 meters (43') below France's Col de l'Iseran (2,770m / 9,088'), and is the highest point ever reached by the Giro. Bormio has literally been a tourist hot spot for centuries, with guests flocking to its thermal hot springs since the time of the Romans. A perfect way to soak away the ache of the Stelvio!

Ride Passo del Mortirolo (1,852m / 6,076') and the challenging Passo di Gavia (2,621m / 8,599'). This final pass is one of the highest and most beautiful passes of the Alps, dividing the Italian provinces of Sondrio to the north and the Brescia to the south. It has been included in the Giro 9 times, 7 as the Cima Coppi z- a perfect way to wrap up your legendary Giro d’Italia climbing adventure. Enjoy a final dinner in Bormio and celebrate your cycling accomplishment!
(Bicycle ~112 km / 70 miles, 3,093m / 10,150' elevation change.)

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).